Attack under way at resort popular with Westerners in Mali

One was identified as French-Gabonese, and the other's nationality had not been confirmed, NBC News reported.

According to the security ministry, "one of the terrorists was able to escape, after being injured".

The incident is taking place at the "Le Campement", a luxury destination.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which came during the final week of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The U.N. official said those at the resort when the attack began included people affiliated with the French military mission as well as the U.N.

At least two people were killed and 30 others rescued on Sunday after gunmen attacked a luxury resort popular with Westerners near Mali's capital city of Bamako, a source briefed on the investigation told CNN.

An official in Macron's office said the president has been informed about the attack and he and his teams are following the evolving events.

Security has gradually worsened in Mali since French forces pushed back allied Islamist and Tuareg rebel fighters in 2013 from swathes of the north they had occupied the previous year.

A tourist resort in Mali popular with top officials and foreigners is under attack, according to witnesses and journalists. The number of casualties was unclear in the assault, which continued through the afternoon, authorities said.

Gunfire rang out at the Campement Kangaba on the outskirts of Bamako, according to a security official with the United Nations mission known as MINUSMA.

Malian troops and forces from France's Bakhane counter-terrorist force are battling the militants.

Late a year ago, the U.S. State Department also warned U.S. citizens against traveling to Mali "because of ongoing terrorist attacks and criminal violence".